Renault has started a countdown for its official release if an Alpine concept which will be revealed at this year's Le Mans endurance race. For Alpine's 60th birthday, Renault will show a near-production ready concept which starts the Alpine revival. The car will be the successor of the Alpine A110-50 Concept seen in 2012.

The yet-unnamed sports car is expected to go into production by 2016 and will be sold as an Alpine rather than a Renault. Reports suggest that it will be named the Alpine AS1. The sports car was a result between a collaboration between Renault and Caterham. Prices are expected to start at 30,000 Euros.

Alpine started out in 1955 and has had a partnership with Renault since 1973. The company has produced iconic cars such as the A110 and A310. Both cars are held in high regard to this day for the pair's exploits in rallying. The Alpine brand became defunct in 1995 and the last Alpine made was an A610.

Alpine will return in 2016 after a hiatus of 21 years. Reports say that the first car under the revival will be a Lotus Elise fighter. The car is rumored to be powered by 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces up to 250 PS. The production car is also expected to weigh just 1,100 kg.

The car's unveiling will be on June 13 in this year's running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.